Unwanted auto-upgrade to full contract when turning 18

<p>My wife and I joined Virgin Active via Vitality. During the sign-up we were asked if our 17 year old son would not like to join as well. I was told that his membership will be free until he turns 18. I was specifically informed that once he turns 18, his membership will terminate and we will have to start a new contract for him. My son hardly ever used the gym except for a game of squash once or twice a month.</p> <p>Low and behold, on the day he turned 18 he was automatically signed up for a year contract and the money payable was deducted via my existing debit order. I never signed authorisation for this and definitely did not know about this auto membership conversion. I am super unhappy with this situation as I have tried to resolve this via the call center (head office) which refered me to the club, where in turn they referred me back to head office etc. I was told that I have to pay a cancellation fee of R1776 - for a contract that I did not want and one that I did not sign for.</p>